Abstract:
In recent times significant attention has been paid to reception studies in Audiovisual Translation (AVT), facilitated by data collection methods such as eyetracking. A shift in focus onto users of translation in Translation Studies is demonstrated in the work by Suojanen et al. (2015) “User-Centered Translation (UCT)” where usability and user experience of translated products are put on centre stage. The interactive nature of games and the strong presence of gamer communities make such a user-focus highly relevant in the context of game localisation. Taking the case of a recent controversy arising out of a number of specific elements in a Japanese RPG and their subsequent treatment in the localised version prompted by user social media postings, I will explore the application of UCT and the emerging role of users in game localisation practices and research.
